CUBAN PITCHER AROLDIS CHAPMAN IS EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS AND MAKING HIS PRESENCE UNDENIABLE

3.18.10
BY: MEH
CHAPMAN, CHAPMAN, AND CHAPMAN
CUBAN PITCHER AROLDIS CHAPMAN IS EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS AND MAKING HIS PRESENCE UNDENIABLE

There is no denying the presence of LHP Aroldis Chapman in Spring Training this season. With a fastball already peaking at 100mph, an underestimated change-up, an above average slider, and a split-finger pitch that he kept a secret until just days ago; Chapman may force himself onto the opening Day roster for the Cincinnati Reds. Favorites for the fifth spot Matt Maloney and Justin Lehr have pitched moderately while prospects Mike Leake and Travis wood have pitched thoroughly, but still need slight development. Aroldis Chapman has looked flat out nasty. Brewers' Corey Hart said, "He's funky. Everything he throws moves, nothing's straight."

Chapman strengthened his campaign on Wednesday during the Reds' 5-2 loss against the Brewers. Pitching the first three innings, the Cuban allowed one run off one hit and struck out five. So far this spring in three games Chapman has compiled the numbers of an excellent regular season start (7IP, 4H, 1ER, 10SO, 2BB, 1.29ERA). If Aroldis Chapman continues his dominance, the Major Leagues will be his destination after the spring. GM Walt Jocketty may be dropping hints about Chapman's future and if arbitration will effect his forthcoming: "If he’s good enough to make the team, no. We look at that with all our players, but it doesn’t affect the decisions we make."



On Tuesday the Reds' offense was detonative. The Reds beat the Arizona Diamondbacks 13-7. Drew Stubbs and Jay Bruce both went 2-3 with 2RBI while Paul Janish hit his second home run of the spring.

The Reds cut ten players on Thursday. RHP Enerio Del Rosario, RHP Sam LeCure, IF Chris Valaika, LHP Pedro Viola, IF Yonder Alonso, RHP Jon Adkins, OF Josh Anderson, and LHP Bill Bray were all optioned to Louisville. RHP Jordan Smith, and LHP Philippe Valiquette were both optioned to Carolina.

C Devin Mesoraco and LHP Ben Jukich were both returned to the Reds on Thursday and optioned to Louisville after being drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 2009 December MLB Rule 5 Draft.

Homer Bailey allowed two runs on five hits over 3 2/3 innings in Thursday's 6-2 loss to the Indians.

MORE AROLDIS CHAPMAN:
-Chapman should head East with big club DIAMOND HOGGERS
-Homer doesn't faze Chapman in first start REDS.COM
-All Aroldis, all the time (that's good) HAL McCOY

MORE NEWS:
-Reds' minor leaguers open up against Giants COREY BRINN
-The return of Wily Mo Pena REDLEG NATION
-Lincoln out of 5th spot race MARK SHELDON
-Frazier finding his place C.TRENT
-Baker on Francisco JOHN FAY

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